<?xml version='1.0' encoding='utf-8'?>
<regulation prefix="Regulation" num=".02" citation="COMAR 26.23.03.02" title_num="26" subtitle_num="23" chapter_num="03" heading="Best Management Practices for Letters of Authorization.">
  <paragraph num="A.">
    <text>If a letter of authorization is granted, the Department may require an applicant to comply with best management practices, including one or more of the following:</text>
    <paragraph num="(1)">
      <text>Conduct the regulated activity so as not to harm a threatened or endangered species, or species in need of conservation, or alter or impair the critical habitat of these species;</text>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="(2)">
      <text>Properly maintain the structure or fill;</text>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="(3)">
      <text>Design the project to first avoid and then minimize any adverse impacts to the nontidal wetlands' existing topography, vegetation, fish and wildlife resources, and hydrologic conditions;</text>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="(4)">
      <text>Conduct the regulated activity so as not to restrict or impede the:</text>
      <paragraph num="(a)">
        <text>Movement of wildlife indigenous to the nontidal wetlands or adjacent water, or</text>
      </paragraph>
      <paragraph num="(b)">
        <text>Passage of normal or expected high water flows;</text>
      </paragraph>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="(5)">
      <text>Adhere to time-of-year restrictions as required by the Department under COMAR 26.08.02;</text>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="(6)">
      <text>Avoid any disturbances in breeding areas for migratory waterfowl;</text>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="(7)">
      <text>Maintain the hydrologic regime of the nontidal wetlands upstream, downstream, or adjacent to the exempted activity;</text>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="(8)">
      <text>Remove excess fill or construction material or debris to an upland disposal area;</text>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="(9)">
      <text>Place materials in a location and manner which does not adversely impact surface or subsurface water flow into or out of the nontidal wetland;</text>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="(10)">
      <text>If backfill is obtained from sources other than the originally excavated material, use clean material free of waste metal products, unsightly debris, toxic material, or any other deleterious substance;</text>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="(11)">
      <text>Place heavy equipment on mats or suitably design the equipment to prevent damage to the nontidal wetlands;</text>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="(12)">
      <text>Repair and maintain any serviceable structures or fills so as not to result in a substantial deviation from the plans or specifications or the original structure or fill, although minor deviations due to changes in materials or construction techniques, and which are necessary for repair and maintenance, are permitted;</text>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="(13)">
      <text>Rectify any nontidal wetlands temporarily impacted by any proposed repair and maintenance activity;</text>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="(14)">
      <text>Repair and maintain any serviceable structure or fill so there is no permanent loss of nontidal wetlands in excess of nontidal wetlands lost under the original construction or fill;</text>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="(15)">
      <text>Conduct the activity so as not to cause or contribute to a degradation of water quality as determined by the Department;</text>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="(16)">
      <text>For installation of utility lines, make postconstruction grades and elevations of nontidal wetlands the same as the original grades and elevations.</text>
    </paragraph>
  </paragraph>
  <paragraph num="B.">
    <text>A proposed activity does not qualify for a letter of authorization if the Department determines that the activity:</text>
    <paragraph num="(1)">
      <text>Does not qualify under Regulation .01 of this chapter;</text>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="(2)">
      <text>May result in significant individual or cumulative impacts to nontidal wetlands, attributable to an entire and complete project; or</text>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="(3)">
      <text>Does not comply with the best management practices in this regulation.</text>
    </paragraph>
  </paragraph>
  <paragraph num="C.">
    <text>Activities of a Similar Nature.</text>
    <paragraph num="(1)">
      <text>Applicants proposing to conduct repeated regional or Statewide activities of a similar nature that may qualify for a letter of authorization may submit a single application to the Department.</text>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="(2)">
      <text>The Department may issue a single letter of authorization for these activities in §C(1) of this regulation.</text>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="(3)">
      <text>Activities may include:</text>
      <paragraph num="(a)">
        <text>Structural repair and maintenance; or</text>
      </paragraph>
      <paragraph num="(b)">
        <text>Work within rights-of-way.</text>
      </paragraph>
    </paragraph>
  </paragraph>
</regulation>